<p>@jddale - I’ll make it 4 people that are telling you to go to Tulane. Sure, I am a big supporter of Tulane, but I have told many students to pick other schools when it makes more sense for them. Usually it is because Tulane is too expensive for them, and sometimes for reasons of fit other than financial. In your case it is indeed a no brainer, since not only is the cost lower but you already know you could be just as happy at Tulane. Yeah, Chicago is “nerdier” in that you get more students who like sitting around on a Saturday night discussing the metaphysical implications of didactic quantum loop strings (I completely realize that makes no sense, just having some fun with Chicago’s reputation). But not only will you get a great academic education at Tulane, you will also get to enjoy New Orleans. Then you have the option of Chicago or any number of other fine schools for grad school, and you will have saved all that money. Plus, as I understand it, the geology of the Delta Region is pretty interesting, although I know very little about geology.</p>
<p>Also, as I understand it, Tulane is starting this new Scholar’s Program that will take 75 “best of the best” students and provide them with special attention into research and travel opportunities. Probably some internal funding involved there as well. I don’t know the details, but I would assume you would be a good candidate for such a program. That would introduce you to more “Chicago” types and so you get the best of both worlds. Just a thought. You would have to look into it more to get details of exactly what Tulane is planning here, but I know it is something they are doing. Tulane has been instituting more and more programs like this in various areas. They started Newcomb Scholars for 20 female students each year about 5 years ago, and 2 years ago they started Altman Scholars for 15 business school students, a very demanding and rigorous program in international business. Anyway, I won’t ramble on, the decision seems easy based on your own words. I just wanted to make sure you are aware of some ways you can maximize your opportunities at Tulane.</p>
<p>I do have one question though. Does the Chicago offer require you to take out loans?</p>